08/12/2012 The Football League Show

Good evening. Today saw the npower Football League's first full

fixture list of December - a month which we all know could have a huge

say on shaping the rest of the season. And despite the freezing

temperatures, all 34 went ahead - which meant a first game in

management at Fleetwood for Graham Alexander. One game in and Graham

has already lasted longer than Leroy at Torquay. Mind you, those

ten minutes were pretty priceless. Anyway, here's what's coming up

tonight. It's a fixture which brings back

memories of classics in the '70s. And although Derby and Leeds may be

some way off those glory days, it's still a game to be reckoned with.

We have all the action from Pride Park.

With only one win in seven, it's been a baptism of fire for new

Blackburn manager Henning Berg. And they couldn't have welcomed a

tougher opponent to Ewood on Friday than the league leaders Cardiff.

We have the best of a fiercely competitive Second City derby as

Wolves took on Birmingham at Molineux.

And as the big chill hits the rest of the Football League, at Vale

Park things are nicely warming up. Out of administration - we're with

Port Vale on the day they could Well if any team summed up the

Championship heading into the weekend, it had to be Neil

Warnock's Leeds United. Two weeks ago, they were languishing in 18th

place and were supposedly in crisis with no news of takeover. Three

wins later, the new owners are all but in place with the team looking

at the top six. Next up for them, a trip to Derby - who incidentally

had won their last seven games against Leeds. At Pride Park for us

former heavyweight clash, a big game is guaranteed. Derby have won

the last seven meetings with today's visitors and have only lost

once at home this season, but in form this will be looking for a 4th

straight win -- inform Leeds. Nigel Clough's Derby County his youthful

talent and potential. Unchanged, no doubt keen to atone for last leg's

reverse that as the. Will Hughes is the latest Jan English man to

dazzle the Championship. Dr Robinson is their top scorer, --

Theo Robinson. Ryan Hall on loan from Southend

replaces Jerome Thomas on the left flag for Leeds. Luciano Becchio has

caught four times in their run of three straight wins.

goal. Conor Sammon is known for his work great, he wants to add a bit

of goal prowess to that tenacity -- took a touch from a Leeds United

Conor Sammon. Conor Sammon goes the goal! It was a clinical finish by

Conor Sammon, who by his own admission says he has not been

finding the back of the net on too many occasions, but a decisive

breakthrough for the Derby County centre-forward. Derby 1, Leeds

Paddy Kenny. Leeds United were rather statuesque in defence and it

was a neat piece of play between Robinson and the goalscorer Conor

the return of the former captain for the day, Paul Green the it's --

levels against his old employers are the final minute of the first

delivery for Jacobs to deal with. A combination of the goalkeeper and

Michael Jacobs got the ball away to excellent save by Paddy Kenny. This

is why this young player is lighting up the Championship. It

might just have been Diego Maradona Tom least turns it over his own

Richard Keogh... Did he shot on goal hit his central defensive

partner? It was, it was Buxton's goal. He throughout the lead and

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 82 seconds

diverted it past Paddy Kenny. That Derby County have secured victory

and then Davies has banned all three points for Nigel Clough was

backside -- Ben Davis has bad at all three points. They are moving

above Leeds United in the table. It is a euphoric Pride Park, Derby 3,

Leeds United 1. Have important is it to score when you are on top?

It is, and we couldn't quite get that second goal, so were the clock

is ticking down to half-time, we wanted to keep the lead. We

couldn't do that and despite being under pressure for the first few

minutes of the second half, the players were magnificent and we

took the game to them. Second half, I think we took the game to them

and have some good opportunities, and then it was disappointing to

concede the gold like we did. Luciano Becchio head sit back into

place instead of bad for a corner - - hence it. And then we hit the

post, when we should have scored. It is a fine balance. It is the

experience of playing the game, we looked through their side and the

experience they have littered through the side, and we had 19

players available with an average age of 22, so they are flourishing

and relishing games like today. have improved so much over the last

couple of weeks, we have to look forward to it. We have not had the

rub of the green of the today, but on any day, the Championship is

anybody's gain. A terrific run of form against Leeds United, it was

much more of a contest in the second half, because that was the.

When Leeds United entered the party. When Derby were the winners?

think they were,. -- worthy winners. I think when the tonight his squad,

that was the first time they had touched the ball in Derby's Fox,

which shows how hard they work -- I think when Leeds United scored

their goal. Derby needed to turn the power up but they stuck in

there and got the result. Will Hughes comes away at 17 with a

growing reputation. Everyone in Derby is excited by this fellow,

how special is he? They have a very young big field and he is the one

who stands out -- midfield. He works very hard, getting back. But

what I love about him is he has great balance and presence of mind.

That is a great reverse pass for the opening goal. When you are

running with the ball, to have the presence of mind to pick the pace -

- eight all out... In this, he just skates past players. He is as quick

with the ball as the years without it, and only 17, he will go one

with the likes of Nigel Clough in charged have a very good Korea.

of the Championship, on Friday night, Blackburn welcomed Cardiff

City, looking to end a winless run Mark Hudson with the goal. -- Mark

Hudson's course. Unmarked, able to get up and glance it beyond Paul

Against the crossbar. Paul Robinson was beaten. Craig Bellamy was

inches away from Dublin Cardiff's lead and scoring against one of his

Joshua King! The crowd have woken up there. Through the legs of David

Marshall. And Blackburn of like back in the game -- right back in

Brilliant finish. They have hit the crossbar in the first half, not to

be denied in the second. LME's flick-on, got it back from Heider

Helgusson, and what a tidy finish Marshall has kept it out. Half a

chance for Jordan Rhodes. And they have hit the crossbar. What a Miss!

Terrific stop initially by David Marshall, look at the deflection.

And for Meacher, with the goal at his mercy, he smashes it against

That is the clincher. Heidar Helguson with a flicker on and

Mason does the rest. And there is there daylight between Blackburn

Kim, and it is four! Boos are ringing out all around Ewood Park,

as the two Cardiff substitutes confirm this victory. First Mason,

and now a first goal in English football for Kim Bo-Kyung.

Obviously disappointed. Losing at home, 4-1, is not good at all. Base

for some easy goals against us. was always going to be tough with

the team coming down from the Premiership with the size of this

or that they have, so have to play the way we did, not just to win the

game, be clinical with the chances and can -- control lots of the game,

seaside for Selhurst Park, Ian Holloway squared up to his former

owners. Appleton said facing Holloway meant nothing to him. The

travelling fans were quick to ask the Palace boss for a reminder of

the score after Delfouneso put them ahead. The Eagles leveller came

about after wing work from Zaha which allowed Garvan to score.

Garvan teed up Glenn Murray for his 18th in this term and his tenth in

seven matches. This run set up Murray, but this save was crucial.

Dicko's goal led to a stare out between Holloway way and part of

between Holloway way and part of the opposition team. We created

opportunities without being clinical enough to get the second

and third goal. We didn't quite do enough today. We got to learn from

that. They equaliser came from us having it and not clearing our

having it and not clearing our lines. It is the season to be jolly.

Unless you are the Barnsley manager, who is not quite ready to get into

the festive spirit just yet. Putting an end to a nine-match

winless streak would improve his mood. Current form suggested a home

win was on the cards. Anthony Knockaert swept Leicester into a

ninth minute lead. Reward for a strong start. They found themselves

back at square one short of the half-hour. This pass put Barnsley

on the attack. When this shot was blocked, Dawson got the equaliser.

The Leicester defence was breached soon after. Reuben Noble-Lazarus

showed terrific technique. The Reds headed to the break with 2-1 lead.

Unlike last season they failed to hang on to it. Jamie Vardy broke

Barnsley's heart. Luke Steel made sure they didn't go into next

week's crucial Derby with Sheffield Wednesday on the back of another

defeat. The keeper earned his side a point. We made mistakes which are

uncharacteristic. We have put them under a lot of pressure throughout

the game. We have come away with something.. The boys were fighting

for us. That is important us to, as a management team. Important to us

as a group of players that you can say to your families, I gave

everything I got today. Tony Mowbray's 100th league match in

charge of Middlesbrough took him to London Road where Darren Ferguson's

hold on his job has been under the spotlight. Nine minutes gone when

Haroun opened the scoring. Haroun put them two up after 20 minutes.

That is when the afternoon took a positive turn for ferg sn. --

Ferguson. Posh refused to fall to pieces. Gayle inspired his team-

mates. His career has really taken off since he was banging them in

for non-league Stansted. He drew the club level. Miller came off the

bench for the final push. He beat the keeper to give the High Flyers

their win. Posh will take encouragement from the display, if

not the final outcome. If we can get that level of performance

consistently, especially at home, we can turn things around. It's

difficult at times to play against. We got our reward. We came to win.

We did that. The next few months is the hard part of the season

according to Steve Bruce who says he will be happy if Hull are in the

top six when the daffodils come up. This made it three away wins in a

row. There was luck about their first. This strike came off the bar

perfectly for Meyler. Hull have won all eight of the games they have

taken the lead in this season. Brady gave them a cushion. Watford

were top of the form table coming into the game. Their seven match

unbeaten run came to an end. Troy Deeney's stoppage time strike small

consolation. It was too little, too late. The first 45 minutes we

didn't play very well, to be honest. We gave them away too much a lot is

to be fair down to them. They played a really good game. They

played in a way that we never found any team like that this year.

know this league. We are capable of winning three on the trot away from

home. You are capable of losing them too. That is the beauty of the

league. We had a decent start. It's near the half way mark. We are

near the half way mark. We are there or there abouts. Terrific.

Hull end Watford's impressive run. Friday, Cardiff at their best

against Blackburn. I thought it was interesting because they brought on

his player with a translator. a real exciting player. A big

investment. He scores a good goal here. At the moment, things are

going great for Cardiff. We saw Middlesbrough inflict a painful

defeat on Peterborough. They have lost seven of the last eight.

Darren Ferguson have unusual relationship. They have parted

company, not a long ago. He is standing by his man, is the

Chairman, isn't he? That must give Darren huge heart? It does. The

support he really does relish the support of Darren. He likes him in

the country. Going forward he will stick by him. No matter what?

no matter. I think he feels he is the right man for the job.

Peterborough has been up-and-down. He doesn't think there is a better

man to d the job. That is his choice. That club needs stability.

They were in that game today. It was a mistake that cost them in the

end. An impressive four goal romp at

Bristol City last week came as a huge relief for the Wolves manager,

Staal Solbakken. And what better to follow that with

than a win against their local rivals Birmingham.

Well, Stale Solbakken made just one change to his team as Tongo Doumbia

came in for David Edwards. While for Birmingham, captain

Steven Caldwell returned to the starting line up along with Wade

starting line up along with Wade for now. Hal looks for spector.

Knocked away by Henry. He came at it, across the goal. Great save.

Sako's cross. The flick there Henry's cross. Doyle. There is no

flag here, is there? The flag does come late. Doyle sees the goal

chalked off. He decides this is offside for Doyle. He was just

beyond the last defender. Good decision. Henry for Ebanks-Blake.

Ebanks Blake -- Ebanks-Blake edged in the back there. Drilled across.

Own-goal, Marlon King. Sheer brute force. It came off the knee, was

it? Own-goal from Birmingham's top- scorer. Wolves, with their first

attempt on goal all match. They have taken the lead, but not

through their own player. Free header for Davis. Back in to Henry

for Doyle for Wolves. Doyle. On the Doumbia, likewise. Force and

purpose. It's come to Sako. Offtarget. In full flow. Few

players in this division who are better to watch than him. Doumbia

for Ward. Ward's ball in. Clawed away by the goalkeeper there,

Butland. This is meant surely as a cross. It was though, surely, going

in. In goes the corner. Off the crossbar. Doyle's touch. Off the

connection. The goalkeeper reacts lightning fast. Had to as well.

This was going in. One last Birmingham chance here. Must go

forward here. Must go forward. Davis. The header towards the goal

is the last chance. Wolves have won. I think we rather than criticising

that, praise the players for the second-half. We gave the ball back

to Wolves too easily. We gave a cheap foul away. We didn't defend

it particularly well. Not a great it particularly well. Not a great

goal. Wolves sent the home fans away happy. Birmingham dominated

first half. Didn't take their chances. The second-half you could

see what Staal Solbakken is trying to do in developing the passing

game. Wolves dominated the second- half. The deciding goal, we saw how

he reacted. Lee Clark called it a cheap foul. You want them to get

tight to the ball. Ebanks-Blake stops in his tracks. He shouldn't

give away a silly foul like that. It's is compounded as Marlon King

will be disappointed with that. He should lear with his right foot,

not his left. There is plenty of flare there? Doyle, Ebanks-Blake

and Sako, outstanding performance. He has a little bit of confidence

back, off that great first 25 minutes against Bristol City. Now a

home win, they can look forward. Birmingham? He will be disappointed.

That first half performance was good. Local Derby. They controlled

the game for large parts. Cut out those silly mistakes.

Let's round up the rest of the action from the Championship now

and last week's goal-less draw against Charlton extended

Millwall's unbeaten run to an impressive 13 games.

Kenny Jackett's men travelled to East Anglia to face an improving

Millwall and starting out in managing with them, there is away

Mick McCarthy was going to get sentimental. DJ Campbell has

ordered every other game since joining on loan from QPR. His

second in a week but the home side ahead by half-time. There was no

let up. Danny Shittu held off by DJ Campbell, pulling the ball back for

Daryl Murphy. This win keeping it Ipswich five points clear of

trouble. The war, having not conceded in four previous outings,

gave Ipswich the chance to record their biggest win of the season.

Campbell netted from the spot to continue the revival and make his

manager's day. I got my usual warm welcome, didn't I? It makes it even

sweeter when you beat them, of course, when you are getting a bit

of abuse from the crowd. Some Charlton fans are too young to

have experienced the battle to get the club after the Valley, but 20

years on, the cloud -- crowd remembered that day. The Brighton

fans also acknowledged it, no strangers to homelessness

themselves. Charlton are going One- nil up after Dale Stephens corner

after 19 minutes, only four Charlton to four kick into the

lightning pace of Craig Mackail- Smith. The striking into double

figures. Good news for the manager Gustavo Poyet, not so for his son,

who is on Charlton's books. Bradley Pritchard netting his first

Football League gold, but with the aid of a big deflection, the LuaLua

scoring the first -- his first of the season. Chris Bell the decided

the result was there. It was a special day for us, back 20 years

after returning to our spiritual home, and it would have been better

to get the three points, but we were paid the back twice by a very

good team, but it is good for us. The unbeaten run keeps going, and

we will see where it takes us. Sean Dyche started his playing

career at Nottingham Forest and says he always enjoy is returning

to the City Ground, but this was not his or Burnley's afternoon. It

could have been a story had Martin Paterson's will hit foley deviated

by a couple of inches. A rare moment of quality end a patchy

first half. There is no kit in having a long-range effort. --

Lewis McGugan. Sean O'Driscoll admitted to feeling under pressure,

so a sense of release -- relief was met with the opening goal. The

Clarets were awaiting the customary Charlie Austin goal. He arrived

with 21 in 22 games, but Lee can prevented an addition to that tally.

Bashley can. Instead, the Nottingham Forest inform striker

got on the scoresheet as Billy Sharp found that there for the

third time in four appearances, to secure a much-needed victory. --

found the net. I'm pleased for everybody, it was a

tough week, in the sense of losing two on the bounce, which in the

Championship is easy to do. Winning two is harder. But we're stuck

together, they have worked hard in training and the game plan worked

today. The Terriers and the Trotters went

toe-to-toe for the first time in over a decade and it was worth

waiting for. Still hurting from last week's derby defeat to Leeds,

Huddersfield got an early lift when Zat Knight headed past his own

keeper, in their Anthony Gerrard seemed pleased to take they roared

its. The game went back and forth and was level when Mark Davies

curled Bolton back into contention. But it also meant they were on

course for yet another draw, their 5th in seven matches unless they

could find the winner. So when Paul Dixon took then Sam Ricketts and

the box, the outlook appeared promising. That took down. That

gave Chris Eagles the chance to secure his team back to back away

wins for the first time this season. Alex Smithers spoil his day. --

spoiled his day. But the next time Chris Eagles caught sight of the

stopper, he wouldn't be denied. He exchanged passes with Davies to

stroke home his 7th goal of the campaign. But if one was think that

thought the job was done, they were mistaken. James Vaughan picking his

spot to perfection. It means faltered have now lost more points

from winning positions than any other team in the Championship, and

they might have dropped even more had Adam Bogdan not been at his

best to deny James Vaughan a dramatic winner. I am disappointed

we have not won the game but I think we can't get too carried away.

If anybody had said at the start of the season that drawing with

faltered against their squad, be would have taken that. -- with

Bolton. A key battle at Hillsborough for

two clubs trying to climb out of the bottom three. Sheffield

Wednesday have lost six on the trot. Maybe Dave Jones could feel the

eyes of the directors burning into the back of his head. If so, this

was the perfect start. The home side going into a third-minute lead.

The celebrations were premature. Before too long, the Spaniard was

avenging Sam Baldock to give Bristol City a route back into the

game. Back on his feet to outfox Chris Kirkland. City themselves

have lost nine of their last 11, which are the next four rock-solid

confident, but Derek McInnes's medicine to be in trouble when Gary

Madine gobbled up this rebound -- seem to be. But then he was deemed

to have handled by Andre Marriner, putting Baldock on the spot once

more. Two apiece, and there was even better to come for Bristol

City. The first had barely died down the for Albert Adomah was

setting his sights. -- before. An amazing turnaround that the

Sheffield Wednesday fans and even harder to stomach in stoppage time.

The home side's claims of handball rejected. And the referee stopping

to book a protest in defender as Gary Madine put in the ball. I saw

the referee doing that, I have never heard of the referee starting

-- stopping again because someone shouted. Especially with the ball

is flying around in the box. Even then lads will wondering what it

was. If he pushed him, then why is it got a red card?

it got a red card? A hugely controversial end to that

game at Hillsborough, it could have major repercussions for Dave Jones.

How did you see it? It was How did you see it? It was

ridiculous. They have just gone 3-2 down, there is a long ball forward.

They win the first header, they have got Bristol City under real

pressure. They are asking for a penalty, right in the face of Andre

Marriner, but the ball ends up in the back of the net. But because

they are right in the face of Andre Marriner, he can't see what is

Marriner, he can't see what is going on. A lot of people will say

the referee should take responsibility but it is the

players. He is not going to change his mind, and they could have got

something out of the game and they are to blame. And where does that

leave Dave Jones? In a difficult situation, as he was before the

game, he knows he has to get results. Milan Mandaric she knows

what a good manager he is, he knows how experienced he is, and will

stick with him. As for Ipswich, a terrific turn ran under Mick

McCarthy. Three wins in a row. -- turn around. If he was manager at

the start of the season, with this 0.4, Ipswich would be up to second.

0.4, Ipswich would be up to second. He could have, but he wasn't. They

have won five out of eight games. In the two they lost, they have

conceded 11. Even though they have been beaten 6 and 5, he has

shrugged it off and said, you have only lost five points, let's move

on. The attitude has dramatically changed. It remains to be seen

whether DJ Campbell extends his loan. As for Dougie Freedman, the

progress that faltered is encouraging but painfully slow for

supporters, drawing five out of seven. That is not an overnight job.

David Freedman is a studious manager and wants to get it right

in the long term. He has had a good run of results and when they lost

again, he learned a lot more about the players. They have to give him

time. It is about building foundations so the club can move

forward and stay where they want to be. Back to League One now, and

having gone three games without a win, Tranmere's lead at the top

have been cut to just goal difference by in form Doncaster. So

Rovers needed to up their game as leading the League One race since

mid-September but their grip has been slipping. They can hardly have

been more grateful for Ash Taylor's first goal in almost the year.

Against struggling Portsmouth, they hoped that would be the launchpad

for a handsome victory. But Guy Whittingham's side had different

ideas. As the clock ran then, Tranmere went for the jugular.

Players pouring into the box before Michael O'Halloran on loan from

Bolton nodded home his first senior goal. He was given no time to

savour the moment. Pompey's response was immediate. Jake Jervis,

who finished Tranmere last month, enjoying a fruitful return to

Prenton Park and ruining Ronnie Moore's weekend in the process.

get 2-1 of, a great move and a great finish and then we are asleep

straight from the kick-off, 20 seconds, not even able to enjoy.

Sloppy defending. We don't look like we event to keep a clean sheet

at the moment, that is a worry for us -- we are going to.

Doncaster travel to Swindon with the best away record in League One

this season. 23 points ahead of a possible 30. But it was when did he

grabbed the lead early on. Chris Martin setting of Matt Richie. --

it was Swindon. Two minutes later, Danny Hollands was caught out and

put the ball in the back of his own net to level things up. Doncaster

manager Dean Saunders admitted his side were nowhere near their best

and in the second half, Swindon could have taken the lead on

several occasions. First through Andy Williams and then it was

Martin who was denied by the woodwork. In the end, one has even.

-- follows -- honours even. A after the hysteria of their match

against AFC Wimbledon, this game was in danger of taking second

billing for MK Dons. These two promotion of rivals sharing the

five core contest. Despite the flying start, the Dons have trouble

containing a Bradford side targeting a fifthly win out of six.

Harry Forrester was the key figure throughout and showed why that

these rated so highly. The midfielder is starting to attract

admiring glances from Championship clubs. Just before half-time, he

occupied the attention of four MK Dons defenders which left Clayton

Donaldson unmarked at the far post. He equalised. Some choice words

from Karl Robinson saw MK Dons start the second half strongly.

Stephen Gleeson, a goalscorer in the Cup last week, restored their

lead eight minutes after the restart. But Redford, who have also

VT Sheffield United and Swindon in recent weeks, won this game in the

latter stages. The hugely influential Harry Forrester

levelled things with just under 20 minutes remaining. His 7th goal of

the season. It was a similar story later on. The goalkeeper got more

on Trotter's 89th minute shot, but Clayton Donaldson was lurking

nearby. His 5th goal in four matches takes Bradford above MK

Dons and into 4th. Brunton Park has seen more goals

than any other League One Grand this season. Unfortunately for

Carlisle, most of them have landed in their next. Some woeful

defending allowed Sheffield United to take the lead. Nick Blackman had

set up the Open and the five -- former Blackburn that added a

brilliant second. Carlisle without tumbling towards a 4th successive

defeat, but they at least made more of a fist of it in the second half.

The Blades keeper George long was stranded, Leah noble going

desperately close to halving the arrears. Soon after, Dave Sinton

suffered the same fate, the woodwork again come into United's

rescue. They did eventually get some joy from a set-piece. A corner

from J P in the Govan crashed home by Gary Livesey. -- that govern.

But United scored from a corner of their own. Neill Collins rounding

things off for Danny Wilson's team, who are now within a point of the

was convinced this shouldn't have been one. Burns' header turned away,

but from behind the line in Johnson's opinion. Until League One

gets the technology being tried at the World Cup we will be none the

wiser. It could have been worse. Alan Judge a whisker from pinching

all the points for Notts. They are unbeaten on the road this season.

Bottom of the league side Hartlepool announced they are

releasing a charity Christmas single. If their performance

against Stevenage is like their singing, they can forget about the

race for the No 1 spot. Haber put the visitors ahead in the 19th

minute. On the hour mark, Stevenage had a chance to double their lead

from the penalty spot. Richards handed Boro the perfect opportunity.

It was down to Akins to convert it from 12 yards. It wasn't as though

Hartlepool didn't have any chances after the break. They will feel

agrieved they couldn't beat the Boro keeper. When Arnold wasn't

there to rescue the visitors, the post was. Pools are 12 points from

safety and sit bottom-of-the-table on nine points. Without an away win

all season, Shrewsbury might have been expected to crumble after

Simpson scored in the first minute of this match. They have been

training at RAF Shore downpour borough in an attempt to improve

their mental and physical toughness. They turned the game on it is head

before half-time. Richards got the equaliser. Looking like working

with the Royal Air Force paid off for Jon Taylor. A composed finish

had them on course to climb out of the relegation zone. Taylor's

hesitation saw them grounded. Simpson's second led to a share of

the points. If we had got the second one we should have

controlled the game. They did come into it. For 15 minutes we weren't

great. We did look all at sea. After that, after a few words at

half-time, I thought they were far better. A tough assignment nr

Scunthorpe. They were up against a bern mouth bidding to --

Bournemouth bidding to increase their stretch. Penalty was given

and Bournemouth were pinning their hopes on James to per serve their

advantage. He came up trumps. This shot was blocked. Fogden put the

ball out of the keeper's reach. For the third time this season,

Scunthorpe were heading for a third successive defeat. Brian Laws had

praise for the way his side responded in the second-half.

McDonald handled in the box to give them a life line. Hawley did the

necessary. Bournemouth held on for the win that puts them four points

off the play-off places. It will take more than a stomach bug to sub

do you Kevin Lisbie. He earnt another win for orient. The O's

recorded their eighth consecutive victory. Lisbie has hit a

magnificent seven goals in those eight wins. They are now up to 11th

and five points off a play-off place. Crewe hadn't had much joy on

the throod campaign, they put on a fine display at Deepdale. Luke

Murphy got the first scole. Inman is a Premier League player in

waiting. On-loan from Newcastle he had an inch-perfect finish to put

Crewe in control. This was shaping up as Preston's worse performance

of the season. Pogba got the next goal. Witness what happened with

this chance to spark the revival. The skipper wished the ground would

swallow them up. Preston's moment had passed. Paul Huntington's

header little consolation for a team who have now won one in six.

There is a lot of problem solving to do. The sky Blues were in arears

here. Adams putting through his own net on 16 minutes. They weren't

behind for lone. Carl Baker, two in a week for him after scoring in the

FA Cup. Walsall weren't in Cup action. They head to North Wales

for a hiking trip. They were left with another mountain to climb when

Coventry got three goals in 12 minutes. McGoldrick gave them the

lead before grabbing his second and Coventry's third two minutes later.

While in Wales assistant manager's shortcomings with the compass

turned wall sol's two hour hike into a five-hour hike. They lost

their way here too. Christie made it 4-16789 the game was up by the

time Andy Butler got a second yellow card. It looked like a soft

one for the skipper and added to their frustration. Baker's second

goal of the game completed the route three minutes later. He got

Coventry's 14th goal in four league games. It has been a great week.

minutes of my team's performance wasn't good enough defensively and

referee's performance as well that wasn't good enough. A trouble-free

afternoon for Oldham who were in complete control at Colchester.

Mvoto's got this header. Joe Dunne said the manner they conceded will

make them a laughing stock. Oldham knead four wins from five in all

knead four wins from five in all competitions. Oldham have won three

of the last four. We won't talk about the elephant in the room, we

will talk about Brentford who are up to fourth in the table. The

calibre of teams they have beaten in recent weeks, it is a real

statement in many ways? A statement. They played great football. Players

are drawing attention. Forrester, great run. At home, they have been

really potent force. A real foundation for where they are now.

They can only really look forward with a lot of enthusiasm. Donaldson

amongst the goals this season. Kevin Lisbie, Leyton Orient winning

eight games in a row in all competitions. Amaidsing run of form

from the O's? It is. Since Kevin came back from injury they picked

up the great results. People talk about his goals. That is not what

about his goals. That is not what he is only about. He holds the ball

up particularly well. I think he brings the team out. He knows how

brings the team out. He knows how important he is to the team. Second

time Coventry have hit five goals in three weeks the last being

against Hartlepool. The manager is making good progress at the Sky

Blues. Coventry fans are sick to the back teeth of off the field

issues threatening to overshadow what is encouraging news on it?

That is not making the headlines, it's about the stadium and the rent.

It seems, looking from the outside in, don't know the ins and outs of,

it the council should help the local club. It's part of the

community. It's a huge rent to me. If they are to move forward they

need to sort that out quickly. On the pitch they are getting better

and better. Not surprised by what Mark is doing there? Not at all. He

did a great job at Barnsley. He landed at Coventry, organised them

and they are full of confidence in him and he has confidence in the

players. McGoldrick is a shrewd acquisition.

League Two now and what a story is unfolding at Port Vale.

In administration since March, Mickey Adams' side have defied all

the odds by maintaining a place in the promotion positions all season.

Now under new ownership, and with their finances back on track, Clem

went to Vale Park to check on the dramatic turnaround in their

fortunes. In excess of �3 million in debt when they went into

administration, now has clean as a whistle as any football league club.

After eight months of spluttering false starts, Port Vale have found

salvation in the unlikely hands of a couple of entrepreneurs, one of

whom who has come out of retirement whose business empire spans

hairdressers to hotels and who aren't normal football supporters.

The Chairman has bought a football club, got married and has now again

on his honeymoon? I was in one of the hay dressers when he said - I

had a phone call about Port Vale. He said, I will let you know.

came out of retirement to make this on. Why? Because it was a challenge.

I have always taken challenges in my life. This is a challenge. I

never fail at anything. I won't fail here. It's a challenge that is

easy to achieve. I will achieve it. Despite their future hanging in the

balance a fortnight ago, Port Vale could go top today. They have the

footballing's joint top scorering As you can see, lots of pre-match

nerves in here. An hour-and-a-half before kick-off. Everybody's very

stressed out. What time are you going in the changing room? Quarter

to! I have been through this before. I had this at Leicester City when

we went into administration and that year we got promoted as well.

Maybe it's the lucky omen. If clubs are looking to go into

administration I'm your man. I took a risk coming to the bottom of the

second division. I had to try and persuade people to give me the job.

Maybe had lost faith with me. I knew I could do a decent job here.

What is that then? Does it hurt? Little bit sore. Looked after

myself so the gaffer doesn't have an excuse to leave me out. You are

not leaving him out, are you? told him that Clem was brought. In

you can't leave your star winger out. We moved on and put together a

squad that is competitive this year. The bookies wrote us off, but

through it all and through all the adversity, we have come through the

back to haunt Vale. It was finished off by Jay O'Shea. Chesterfield

were chasing a fourth league win on the spin. Something they hadn't

managed in almost three years. They were well on their way to victory

when Richards, again provided the ammunition with Darwikwa putting it

into the back of the net. The visitors managed to keep them at

visitors managed to keep them at arm's length. Grumpy? No, still

nice and relaxed. Not our day today. Didn't play well. Full credit to

Chesterfield they played well. On a decent run of form at the moment.

We have lost three in a week. Two cup games and a league game. That

is our fourth defeat of the season. We can turn it into a crisis if we

want. To my message to everybody is, we will be back. Clem unable to

work his magic at Port Vale. Three defeats in three competitions.

Despite all that has gone wrong, they won't be disappointed about

that? They shouldn't be. They had a fantastic season. You will always

have a setback at some point. Being out of the Cup competitions is

sometimes a blessing in disguise. Micky had to persuade the Chairman

to take him on. He did a good job first time round. If you are

convincing the Chairman, you are giving yourself no room for error?

Backing yourself into the corner. They were second when he left. To

go to his boyhood team, Sheffield United. No-one would blame him for

doing that. He has proved what a good manager he is. The fans have

faith in him. He does well in adversity, is that putting him in a

pigeon hole? No. You know what, at any club, I know this in terms of

Port Vale's finances, it seems to be adverse when you are going

through a difficult situation. What he does is handles the pressure

very well and take it is away from the players. He did it brilliantly

at Leicester. They have a good foundation he can take that club

forward. At the start of play today, there

were signs that Gillingham's promotion charge may be running out

of steam. One win in five had seen their

rivals close the gap at the top. Next up at Priestfield were a club

Gillingham's trip to Rotherham, Deon Burton settled them after only

11 minutes -- nerves. He silenced the stadium who had been doing his

every touch. He spent five-and-a- half Mon-Sat Rotherham before

leaving in controversial circumstances. You sense that the

striker will particularly enjoyed his 8th and 9th goals of the season.

But he wasn't able to lay claim to the goal of the game, with that on

are going to Jason Taylor, who put the Millers back in the match with

just under 20 minutes remaining. Shortly afterwards, however, his

challenge let the jailing a man unconscious and with a suspected

broken neck. For once, supporter loyalties were forgotten.

Thankfully, he was later discharged from hospital and travelled home

with his team-mates. I thought the gesture from the Rotherham

supporters to clap him off the pitch, I was chuffed to bits with

that, so a big thank-you to them. Adebayor Akinfenwa I -- clearly

benefit from being rested during their Johnstone's Paint Trophy

defeat to Leyton Orient midweek. Two minutes in and the striker got

on the scoresheet. That his eight goals in as many appearances. But

it wasn't long before Aidy Boothroyd's side doubled the lead.

The visiting boss Mark Yeates admitted after the match that his

side started off delivered praised his players for turning it around.

It was up to Darren Carter to start the fight back. It was only a

matter of minutes before the visitors were then level, thanks to

Chris Zebroski's header. There were chances for both sides after the

break. Akin Fenn were coming close to adding to his earlier goal. But

it was the visitors who left with all of the points, Darryl Duffy

scoring his first League goal since March, to complete a superb

21 years, Graham Alexander has taken charge at Fleetwood Town. His

predecessor Micky Mellon paid a high price for losing three games

in a row. The new boss could hardly have picked a tougher opening.

Southend a riot as the division's form team. They had two efforts,

including that from Anthony Straker, turnover as it finished goalless.

Torquay boss Martin Ling says they will examine the video of this

sending off to see if they can appeal against his dismissal. He

was red-carded five Darren Barr on for hitting out at James Meredith.

However, the ten men were within inches of going ahead. Vile Thomson

thumping the post, something which would become a recurring theme --

Niall Thomson. The Bantams started to make their numerical advantage

tell. While a combination of Michael poker and the Post get them

at bay. But the goal's river it is since was punctured with five

minutes to go. Substitute Alex Scott making end immediate impact

from the bench. -- making an immediate impact.

Exeter have been awesome on the road this season. I'd be Gillingham

have won as many away games. At fault when I opened the scoring at

Rochdale that Pat Aldwyn opened the scoring. John O'Flynn double that

seconds later. Against York last week, the home side were three down

in 15 minutes. They improved on that by a whole three minutes. --

go of it in the second half. Teri Cornell pulled one back. --

Rochdale's credit. He did it again in injury time. Exeter were on the

brink of humiliation. Instead, just when it looks like he couldn't make

any greater impact, so this happened. The striker kicked out at

the former Vale defender and and himself a red card. An undignified

end to Rochdale's third consecutive defeat.

Plymouth are bottom of the form table. And they nearly went behind

through this Patrick McLoughlin shot for the visitors. But the

hosts went ahead when Jamal Fyfield turn their in Luke Young corner

into his own net. That turned A Luke Young corner. And the Pilgrims

wrapped up a vital three points when Nick Chadwick was on hand to

nod home from close range at the squander chances, so imagine Mark

McGhee's frustration as keeper Chris Lewington produced an

outstanding double block. The Daggers must have fancied their

chances, given Rovers's defensive frailties. A low sun did not help

the Kamara operator, as Rovers conceded their 45th league goal of

the season. Sam Williams with the finish. The Daggers held firm, with

the ring 10 palming away another header. So a 4th win for -- win out

of six, while Rovers drop into the bottom of route -- two.

Morecambe's hopes of avoiding a new club record of five consecutive

away defeats took a bit of a self- inflicted hit midway through the

first half at Wycombe. Dean Morgan making the most of some generous

defending as Gareth Ainsworth's men chased a 4th league win on the spin,

something they haven't managed or two years. However, their chances

to go dive when Joel Grant died in at half-time. He has been in good

goalscoring form lately, but he will be on the sidelines for a

while. The Shrimps's away form has been good in recent seasons but

they are right on the back of six defeats in their last seven on the

road and they must have feared it was going to be another long trip

home, Wynn Morgan weaved through for the ten men shortly after the

interval. However, the visitors showed the sort of fight the

manager has been looking for away from the global arena and Richard

Brodie reduced the deficit with half-an-hour to play. And more can

picked up their first points from a losing position this season when

Jack Redshaw popped up in the 90th former player Mitchell called

before kick-off, the Kassam Stadium saw a subdued atmosphere. James

Constable's 29th minute effort was the first of the match. But United

claimed the opening goal moments later, Constable team that Adam

Chapman, who lashed in a spectacular first goal of the

season. -- teeing up Adam Chapman. But an even better equaliser earned

Aldershot a point, a real touch of class from Adam Mekki. His 86th

minute goal takes them out of the relegation zone. After that, things

deteriorated for the home side. Simon Hyslop injury time challenge

on Adam Mekki and in their straight red card. For Oxford, a

disappointing end for what has been a difficult week. With the

situation we had with Mitchell and last week, I am delighted with the

players' efforts. We have not played great, I know, and we didn't

deserve to win the game. But they have not been there and we have got

a point, another game not beaten. These two side are struggling to

find the winning formula. Barnet Cop Out the first clear opening but

Ricky Holmes are still waiting for his first of the season -- heart

out. The Dons veteran keeper was finally beaten the 64th minute.

Jake Hyde rose superbly and got his third goal in as many games. Facing

a 4th straight defeat, Neal Ardley needed a response from his team and

they delivered. Although Krystian Pearce managed to block the first

shot, Stacy long followed up and the defection of Jack Midson and

the dams they have won. -- deflection.

Hardly an ideal resort for both of them, but the game of the day, for

the guest first, vault run against Gillingham. Gillingham back to

winning ways -- rather run against Gillingham. It was smash-and-grab

ready, they have the right man. Deon Burton, always in the brain.

This one shows great presence of mind to put it into the net and he

is a great flair that Martin has great belief in. I will not mention

his change -- H! A great comeback win for Cheltenham, winning at

Northampton 3-2. They have an FA Cup replay on Tuesday, with the

winners going on to face Everton, so they might have been forgiven

for taking their foot off the pedal. When they were 2-0 then, that is

what I thought, but this is the gate -- goal that got them back

into the game. They have great belief. At the other end of the

table, Bristol Rovers are clearly struggling, having lost seven of

their last nine. It is quite a toxic atmosphere at the moment.

Mark McGhee has a job to win back the fans. Yes, that optimism that

was there at the start. There seems to have been suspension after

suspension and Mark is giving -- doing a fire-fighting job which

doesn't seem to be working. Yes, plenty of work for him to do.

Well, here's what all the results means in terms of the tables.

Cardiff stay top of the npower Championship after winning at

Blackburn on Friday night. Palace stay in second, despite being held

to a draw. Middlesbrough and Hull both move up a place after good

wins. Peterborough's seventh defeat in

eight means they stay rock bottom, while Sheffield Wednesday just

above them lost for the seventh consecutive game. Barnsley drop

into the bottom three and there were big wins for both Ipswich and

Bristol City. Tranmere stay top of npower League

One after their draw. Doncaster stay on their heels, separated by

just goal difference. Sheffield United, Brentford and Stevenage all

won and move up as MK Dons slip to sixth after their defeat.

Bournemouth are in ninth, now just four points off the top six. Two

months ago, they were four points off the bottom.

Hartlepool's miserable season continues as they equal a club

record 19 games without a win. -- 18 games. They are 11 points adrift

of safety. Bury and Scunthorpe both lost. In fact, none of the bottom

eight won on Saturday. Portsmouth and Shrewsbury were the only teams

to avoid defeat. Gillingham stay at the top of

npower League Two, where they've been since September, after an

impressive win at Rotherham. Port Vale in second lost for the first

time in six. Cheltenham's win reduces the gap between them and

Vale to just one point. Bradford meanwhile move up to fourth and in

some decent form as they prepare to face Arsenal in the League Cup this

week. Plymouth's win was the only one in

the bottom ten. While Dagenham & Redbridge are the only other team

to win in the bottom-half and that moves them up to 14th. Burton

Albion host Accrington Stanley on Albion host Accrington Stanley on

Sunday. Well, that's it from us. I'll be

back on Wednesday night with the best of the Fifth Round of the

Capital One Cup at 11:15pm on BBC One. As the next Saturday, Match of

the Day is on at 10:25pm, followed by all the action from the Football